The latest generation of black Barbie dolls is a little over-the-top in relying on hip-hop stereotypes, according to some reviewers.
The latest generation of black Barbie dolls is a little over-the-top in relying on hip-hop stereotypes, according to some reviewers.
Mattel describes the dolls as having "fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinctive cheek bones and curlier hair" than their predecessors.
The plastic dolls part of Mattel's "So In Style" line that comes out next week feature "shiny bling, big earrings and fancy sneakers," according to the Daily News, which rounded up decidedly mixed reviews on Grace, Kara and Trichelle.
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Black Beauty: The new Barbies have fuller lips, wider nose, more distinctive cheek bones and curlier hair |
"Not all black people like hip hop," said 15-year-old Barbara Mootoo, who said doll Kara's silver rope-chain necklace looked like it was out of a 50Cent video.
Tyaine Danclaire (15) said the dolls were "sorta racist."
"They say black girls are ghetto with the gold earrings, with the big bling; I don't agree with that,"
she said.
But the $30.99 (Rs 1,400) dolls scored well with other girls, who felt they reflected their own lives and neighborhoods.
"They look like people where we live," 12-year-old Nikki Wright said. "I wear big earrings. The weave. Things that we use."
Sister ActThe So In Style line includes three sets of sisters: Older sister Grace with younger sister Courtney; Trishelle and Janessa, and Kara and Kianna.
Each character has a distinct personality: Grace's style is "girly girl," Trishelle is "smart and sassy," and Kara is "funky and fun," according to Mattel.
